I created the look for FLoid cell imaging station while head ID guy at Life Technologies.

Life Tech wanted a low cost, easy to use cell imaging station. All the products on the market had a very severe and clinical look to them.

I worked closely with the marketing manager of the Cell Imaging Division and advanced the thought of a more appliance-like look for this category.

I did these round of explorations to help ferret out the correct look for this new product.

 

Second round of sketches.

 

Third round of sketches.

The c-clamp series had a good balance of friendly curves and more professional lines that struck a nice balance between professionalism and ease of use.

 

The final design was a refinement of th c clamp direction.

This research device form factor was very deceiving. It looked much bigger in real life than in images, so I made some quick foam board sketch models to see how I could reduce the apparent size.

I also used the models to test the feel of the focus mechanism which led to improvements to the design.

 

Many refinements were made to make the form look lighter without weakening the apparent strength or quality of the unit.

At this time at Life, I was beginning to work on company wide design language programs so I brought in Nelson Au who put some nice final touches on the design that really lightened it and brought balance to the elements.

Care was taken to create a family look to accessories and packaging.

This design was prior to the Life Technologies design language but some of the forms and color were an influence to that program.